Business, international

Beware the spring thaw

Article Abstract:

Japanese prime minister Kiichi Miyazawa may have to resign as early as late March due to the poor showing of his Liberal Democratic Party and scandal and corruption in the party. Opposition forces won a by-election by a large margin and have stalled efforts to pass a budget.

Miyazawa's moment

Article Abstract:

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party won 69 of the 127 upper house seats in the Diet in the Jul 1992 elections. Voter turnout was only 50%, indicating voter disgust over political scandals. Miyazawa will have to be diligent about political reform and foreign relations.

Dirty dozen: Japan

Article Abstract:

Political scandal is again causing havoc in Japan, where payoffs by Sagawa Kyubin Ltd to members of the Diet are under investigation. Prime minister Kiichi Miyazawa hopes that members of his cabinet are not implicated or else he may be forced to resign.